Matt Beard hails 'world-class' Ceri Holland as…

Matt Beard hails 'world-class' Ceri Holland as Liverpool triumph in 'testing' WSL clash

Matt Beard has branded Liverpool midfielder Ceri Holland "world class" after her goal helped the Reds to pick up three points against West Ham in the Women's Super League.

Liverpool made a bright start to the contest at Prenton Park, Holland pouncing on an error at the back and slotting the ball home to give the hosts the lead. Both Emma Koivisto and Gilly Flaherty came close before top-scorer Katie Stengel bagged her sixth goal of the season with a cool finish into the bottom corner.

The Reds could have had more, Holland's curling shot palmed away by Mackenzie Arnold shortly before the break to keep West Ham in the game. Paul Konchesky's side failed to register a single shot in the first half but proved more threatening after the interval, Dagny Brynjarsdottir forcing Rachael Laws into a brilliant stop late on to ensure Liverpool claimed their second WSL win of the season.

Reflecting on the performance, Beard said: "A great three points. I thought we were excellent first half, I really did. It was a testing game actually because they changed their shape twice and we had to adapt to that twice so it was an interesting game but I’m really pleased.

"There were some great individual performances but also a fantastic team performance so I think the clean sheet was important," he added.

"I think psychologically that will be good for us especially with how direct they were in the last 15/20 minutes, to deal with everything that was thrown at us I was really, really pleased."

Sunday's contest saw Holland score her first WSL goal for the Reds and the Liverpool boss was particularly impressed with the Wales international's display in the middle of the park.

"I'm pleased for her because I think that’s been weighing on her mind a little bit to be honest with you but I thought her performance today was world class," he said.

"It was an important goal for her…I thought she was fantastic and I was really pleased with the way we managed the game, especially when we got two in front, so we’ve got lots of positives we can draw from today."

The win also marked captain Niamh Fahey's 100th Liverpool appearance, making her only the third player to achieve that feat for the Reds. Fahey did a superb job at the back against the Hammers alongside centre-back partner Gilly Flaherty, and Beard was delighted to see his skipper reach such an impressive milestone.

"What a performance today from her," Beard said. "Heading everything, tackling everything, great on the ball. It’s been a great year for her obviously with us getting back promoted and qualifying for the World Cup.

"She deserves it and, not only is she a fantastic football player, she’s an unbelievable person so we’re lucky to have her."

Liverpool won't have long to recover before they welcome Manchester City to Prenton Park on Wednesday for their final group stage game in the Continental League Cup. The Reds currently sit top of the group having played one game more than Gareth Taylor's side, and Beard confirmed he's likely to make full use of his squad in midweek.

He said: "We will rotate Wednesday and I’m sure Manchester City will as well. We want to progress in the tournament, we’ll pick a team that we feel can get something out the game for us but three points against Leicester (next weekend) is going to be our priority. We need to make sure we recover from today and then we’ve got a big week ahead of us."

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